HRT: More delays, overruns unlikely

After months of
construction in downtown Norfolk, Va., light rail is coming into focus - as are
the latest questions about Hampton Roads Transit's long-anticipated project,
local media report. Major construction wrapped up earlier this month, and
testing will begin in the fall. Now the city is counting down to see if the
Tide makes its scheduled start date of next May.

"There's a certain amount
of float in every project and one of the things that I'm used to doing in
projects like this, you find ways to make up lost time," said Vice President of
Rail Operations Jim Price.

Price and Public Outreach
Coordinator Tamara Poulson fielded questions from the Downtown Norfolk Civic
League. The Tide is already tens of millions of dollars over budget and a year
behind schedule, but Price said more delays or cost overruns are unlikely.

"I think our new CEO,
Philip Shucet, is very adamant about watching every single cent," Price said, "watching
where it goes."

There is a problem of two
faulty rail crossings at Ingleside and Bristol, with a cost of $200,000 to fix.
That money came out of HRT's contingency fund.

Light rail testing will
begin this fall along with the public safety outreach program.

"We'll be on the radio.
We'll be on TV. We'll be anywhere where anyone will listen," promised Poulson. "We'll
be there."

Just as HRT wants people to
ride the Tide, they also want everyone to buy into the commitment for safety
needed for such a large project.